What happened to Ronaldo Valdez? A look into his life

From the vibrant basketball courts of Manila to the luminous screens of Philippine cinema, Ronaldo Valdez, born Ronald James Dulaca Gibbs, carved a legacy that transcended the realms of entertainment.

As the first Filipino Colonel for KFC and a pivotal figure in the landscape of Filipino film and television, Valdez’s journey was one marked by charisma, versatility, and profound impact.

Today, we look into the tapestry of a life that was as dramatic and captivating as the roles he portrayed.

Join us as we unravel the life of this cinematic icon, exploring not just his celebrated career but also the personal trials and tribulations that defined his off-screen persona.

Who is Ronaldo Valdez?

Ronald James Dulaca Gibbs, better known as Ronaldo Valdez when he appeared on screen, was a Filipino actor with a nearly fifty-year career. His birthdate is November 27, 1947.

Having begun his career as a leading man, Valdez was well-known for playing antagonistic and paternal roles in television and movies.

Valdez worked on a number of movies in the 1970s and 1980s, during which time he became well-known for his portrayals of wealthy and significant father figures.  

Valdez, who also starred with Leo Martinez and Pen Medina in a humorous viral audition video, was chosen by KFC in 2017 to become the first Filipino Colonel.

What happened to Ronaldo Valdez?

At the age of 76, Ronaldo passed away in December of last year. Not only did Valdez’s passing break the hearts of those who loved him, but it also marked the beginning of an endless struggle.

Online, a startling video has emerged that captures the moment emergency personnel discovered deceased Filipino actor Ronaldo Valdez motionless in a chair.

There has been a great deal of outrage over the video, which violates the deceased’s privacy and dignity.

Ronaldo’s driver, Angelito Oclarit, discovered the actor unconscious in his room, despite the fact that the first reports did not specify a cause of death.

As speculation about the reason behind the unexpected death of the actor grew, Phil Star Global, citing the Quezon City Police District, reported that the actor died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The actor, who passed away, was found holding a gun in a chair. On January 15, singer Janno Gibbs expressed his feelings regarding the regrettable circumstances that transpired after his father’s death at a press conference.

Speaking to the media, Gibbs criticized the Philippine National Police (PNP) for leaking his father’s video and demanded an apology. The National Capital Region Police Office’s Quezon City Police District (QCPD) apologized that same day.

Social media users shared a video of Valdez’s bloodied body being retrieved. According to Gibbs, the incident occurred on the same day the video went viral. 

The singer also mentioned that their family’s address and the private information surrounding his father’s demise were leaked.

The misinformation about Gibbs, which some vloggers spread, made matters worse by claiming he was responsible for his father’s death.

Gibbs brought up the names of the vloggers and the deceptive headlines they had used during the press conference.

Was Ronaldo Valdez married?

Formerly married to the late Filipino actor Ronaldo Valdez, Marife Gibbs—also known as Maria Fe Ilagan Gibbs—had two children: Melissa Gibbs and Janno Gibbs.

It is unknown where Marife Gibbs is right now. The public does not have access to information regarding her whereabouts or activities.

She does not give away any information about her current circumstances, so it is unclear where she is or what she is doing.

Individuals’ privacy is usually respected, and sometimes private information about someone may not be easily available or shared with the public.

When Ronaldo had surgery in 2022 to treat prostate cancer, the couple faced difficulties; this is evidence of the family’s resiliency in trying times.

Following in their father’s footsteps, Janno and Melissa went on to become actors and make contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry.

The common experiences of the Valdez family and Ronaldo’s continuous presence in their lives demonstrate a close-knit and encouraging family relationship that transcends the entertainment industry.